January 2026 Updates
As we begin a new year, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your support in 2025. Read on to learn how PREPARES ministries supported families at Christmas, see the data from the year, and see the upcoming events and trainings for PREPARES volunteers. Finally, pray with us for hope and strength in 2026.
 
“To find the Savior, one must not gaze upward, but look below: the omnipotence of God shines forth in the powerlessness of a newborn; the eloquence of the eternal Word resounds in an infant’s first cry; the holiness of the Spirit gleams in that small body, freshly washed and wrapped in swaddling clothes. The need for care and warmth becomes divine since the Son of the Father shares in history with all his brothers and sisters. The divine light radiating from this Child helps us to recognize humanity in every new life.”
-Pope Leo XIV, 2025 Christmas Homily
Year in Review
In 2025, PREPARES of WW served more families than ever before, thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and donors. Thank you for your support!
Thank you, also, to all the parish volunteers that contribute to our reporting- from recording what you provide to families, to submitting PREPARES forms. These numbers help to tell the story of PREPARES to our donors, allow us to apply for grants, and support our work with CCS and the Archdiocese. We appreciate your help!
Upcoming Events!
We've got a lot planned for our volunteers in 2026.
  • Our next volunteer special training will be on Tuesday, February 17th from 6-7:30pm. Join us on Zoom for "Navigating Delicate Conversations, Facilitating Empathetic Dialogue," hosted by PREPARES staff members Cindy and Teresa. Volunteers can click here to register for this training.
  • PREPARES staff will host a Community Conversation on February 26 at 6 pm, the first of a quarterly series for all volunteers to join and chat with other PREPARES members. We'll have time for sharing celebrations, talking about upcoming events, and discussing relevant issues facing our ministry. Link coming soon.
  • We are hosting two volunteer retreats this spring!
    • SW Washington on April 11, 2026, at St. Philip in Woodland. More details coming soon, and plan to join us to learn more about St. Gianna.
    • NW Washington on April 18, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Sedro Woolley. Registration coming soon! Join us to reflect on compassion and the Holy Spirit.
  • There will be a Eucharistic Revival in Bellevue, WA, on May 16. We would like to host a lunch meet-up with food and fellowship for any PREPARES volunteers that would like to attend! If you would like to attend the revival but are unable to afford a ticket, please send PREPARES an email. We have a small scholarship fund and would like to help our volunteers attend this historic event. Stay tuned to sign up for our lunchtime gathering.
Merry Christmas from PREPARES!
PREPARES ministries throughout the Archdiocese supported families in special ways throughout the Christmas season. Below are a few of ways PREPARES celebrated.
Our Lady of Hope
Everett
Volunteers held a cookie exchange and spent time writing heartfelt notes in Christmas cards, which were distributed to families with gift cards during December.
St. Edward
Seattle
PREPARES in King County held an "adopt-a-family" program and 240 families, including over 400 children, received new gifts from generous donors.
St. John the Evangelist
Vancouver
PREPARES served 45 families in & around their community providing them with Christmas gifts for each child and adult in the home! They also gave gifts to their PWL families.
West Seattle Catholic
Parish Family
Volunteers created Christmas baskets filled with gifts for nearly 20 families, working with several other parish family ministries and schools. 
Sacred Heart
Tacoma
Volunteers put together a Christmas celebration at the parish for 18 families with games and snacks. They fulfilled the wish lists of 54 children with new toys, coats, and treats. 
St. Louise 
Bellevue
Volunteers lovingly wrapped and dropped off gifts to an adopted family. The parish family Giving Trees collected items to distribute to families in the new year.
Holy Redeemer
Vancouver
Stockings created by the parish sewing ministry were filled by PREPARES volunteers with goodies for children to go along with presents from the parish Giving Tree.
St. Joseph
Lynden
At their December give-away 80 families received clothing and toys, diapers, and fresh fruit baskets. "Adopted" families were invited to a special holiday gift pick up.
Church of the Assumption
Bellingham
PREPARES held a Christmas give-away for families at Villa Santa Fe, in addition to their deliveries of diapers and Christmas cheer to Everson. 
Skagit Valley
Catholic Churches
Volunteers wrapped and delivered wonderful Christmas cheer for 38 children, purchasing new books, toys, and clothing from their wish lists. 
King County
Play With Love
The Play with Love program celebrated the Epiphany in style, with the story of the 3 Kings told with costumes, a King Cake, and gifts for the children.
St. John the Baptist
Covington
Volunteers provided holiday gift cards to the families they serve. Two families attended a parish Thanksgiving celebration hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul ministry.
 
 
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We wish you many blessings in 2026! We look forward to seeing you at events, visiting with you in parishes, and, most of all, supporting families with you throughout Western Washington.
 
Warmly,
the PREPARES of Western Washington team
Aleah, Peggy, Teresa, Cindy, Alejandra, and Katie
 
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Follow us for updates and upcoming PREPARES events. To volunteer or donate, visit our website. PREPARES is a program of Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.
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4250 S Mead St
Seattle, Washington 98118, United States